Thursday, September 08, 2005

Bairbre de Brún Briefed GUE/NGL on Peace Process

It has been reported that SF MEP Bairbre de Brún "has this morning updated MEPs from the European United Left/Nordic Green Left Group (GUE/NGL)in the European Parliament on the current state of the peace process and the ongoing campaign of loyalist violence against vulnerable nationalist communities. Ms de Brún briefed the MEPs in Strasbourg this morning." More hereSpeaking today Ms de Brún said:

"This morning's briefing of MEPs from the European United Left/Nordic Green Left Group in the European Parliament is part of an on-going series of engagements with MEPs from across Europe, on the situation at home. I briefed the group on the IRA initiative of July 28th and the potential for unlocking the peace process. They were also keen to hear at first hand, about the systematic and orchestrated campaign of violence by loyalist paramilitaries, and the unwillingness of the PSNI to deal with the situation.

"It is clear that the peace process can move forward, but only if the political will exists. It is imperative that the two governments act, and that the DUP engages in political dialogue. All of their possible excuses are now gone, although it remains to be seen if they are up to the task of peace-building, or continue to be interested in political grandstanding.

"The European Parliament group expressed their solidarity and support for the peace process and the Sinn Féin peace strategy. They were also keen to find out in what ways they could assist the search for lasting peace in Ireland. We will continue with these engagements, not only to engage with other Europeans, but to internationalise our struggle."